PM Modi Lauds Performance of Indian Players in Foreign Teams

PM Modi: In a heartfelt address during his widely followed radio programme Mann Ki Baat, Prime Minister Narendra Modi turned the spotlight toward a special group of athletes making waves at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup — Indian-origin cricketers representing countries such as the United States, Canada, and Oman.

At a time when cricket fever grips millions across continents, the Prime Minister’s remarks struck an emotional chord, underscoring how sport transcends borders while preserving cultural identity.

PM Modi: A Global Stage, A Shared Heritage

Speaking during Mann Ki Baat, PM Modi reflected on the unique joy experienced by Indian viewers when they hear familiar names echo across international commentary — even when those names are stitched onto jerseys of other nations.

“I often say that the one who plays blooms. Sports unite us too,” he remarked, noting how audiences instinctively feel a sense of pride when an Indian-origin player shines on the world stage.

He observed that while these cricketers proudly represent their adopted nations, their heritage remains an integral part of their identity. According to him, this blend of loyalty and legacy embodies the “specialty of Indianness” — staying rooted while flourishing globally.

Canada’s Strong Indian Core

The Prime Minister highlighted that Canada’s squad features one of the highest numbers of Indian-origin players in the tournament. Among them is captain Dilpreet Bajwa, who traces his roots to Gurdaspur in Punjab. Players such as Navneet Dhaliwal from Chandigarh, Harsh Thaker, and Shreyas Movva have been instrumental in shaping Canada’s campaign.

Although Canada was unable to secure a win in the group stage, their presence in the tournament marked a significant step for associate cricket nations. Their participation itself, PM Modi implied, signals the growing influence of the Indian diaspora in global sport.

PM Modi: USA’s Breakthrough Performance

The United States emerged as one of the tournament’s compelling stories, winning two of its four group-stage matches. Leading them is captain Monank Patel, who once represented Gujarat’s under-16 and under-18 teams before building his career in American cricket.

The US squad also includes Mumbai-born Saurabh Ranjane and Harmeet Singh, alongside Delhi’s Milind Kumar — players who have carried their early Indian cricketing foundations into international arenas.

Their performances not only elevated American cricket but also showcased how Indian-origin talent continues to shape the sport’s expansion beyond traditional powerhouses.

Oman’s Emerging Stars

From the Gulf region, Oman’s team features key contributors such as Jatinder Singh, Vinayak Shukla, Karan Sonavale, Jay Odedra, and Ashish Odedara. Though Oman faced a challenging campaign and did not register a win, their inclusion in the tournament underlined cricket’s widening global footprint.

PM Modi noted that Indian-origin athletes are also strengthening teams in New Zealand, the UAE, and Italy — a testament to the diaspora’s deep involvement in nurturing cricket worldwide.

“Indianness” Beyond Borders

In his address, PM Modi emphasised that these players exemplify how Indians remain emotionally connected to their roots, no matter where life takes them.

“They step onto the field wearing the jersey of their country and wholeheartedly represent that country,” he said, acknowledging both their loyalty to their adopted nations and their cultural heritage.

He added that Indian-origin players not only contribute to sporting excellence but also enrich the societies they are part of. According to him, this seamless blend of identity and integration reflects India’s civilisational strength.

Cricket as a Unifying Force

The Prime Minister’s remarks extended beyond statistics and scorecards. They carried a broader message: sport unites, inspires and bridges cultures. The sight of an Indian-origin name shining under stadium lights — whether in Dallas, Toronto, or Muscat — creates a quiet yet powerful sense of shared pride.

While the USA advanced with two group-stage victories, Canada and Oman exited without opening their accounts, yet their journey resonated strongly with fans who see in them the evolving story of global cricket.